As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has issued a powerful message of reflection and recommitment, reminding all stakeholders that democracy must be made to work for the people.
In a solemn and timely statement, Mazi Osigwe urges Nigerians to look beyond the symbolism of June 12 and focus on the deeper meaning it holds—a relentless call for accountable leadership, credible elections, justice, and inclusive governance.
“June 12 is more than a date; it is a symbol of the Nigerian people’s demand for a political system that truly reflects the will of the governed,” Osigwe noted. “Democracy must never be taken for granted; it must be protected, nurtured, and made to work for the people.”
He emphasized that the rule of law must be the bedrock upon which democratic governance is built. Institutions, he stressed, must function independently and transparently, while citizens must enjoy functional representation, access to justice, and protection of their rights.
Osigwe decried the worsening insecurity, the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State, and the abuse of the Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent, calling them grim indicators of the erosion of democratic values.
He further charged the judiciary to rise in defence of democracy, reminding the courts of their pivotal role in preserving liberty and public trust.
“A sense of confidence in the courts is essential to maintain the fabric of an ordered liberty,” he quoted former U.S. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, warning that any loss of public confidence in the judiciary could pave the way for authoritarianism.
As legal practitioners, Osigwe reaffirmed the NBA’s unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, questioning unconstitutional acts, promoting civic education, and safeguarding human rights.
He concluded with a rallying call:
“We must build a Nigeria where the promises of democracy are not reserved for a privileged few, but fulfilled for all. Let this Democracy Day renew our collective resolve to defend justice, freedom, and the rule of law.”
Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
